Crabs in Pepita Sauce

Crabs in Pepita Sauce is a national favorite dish in El Salvador. It is also one of the more popular dishes among tourists who visit the country. Pepitos translates in English to “pumpkin seeds” – and it is the pumpkin seed sauce flavor that really distinguishes Crabs in Pepita Sauce as a remarkably tasty and unique culinary experience.

Directions:

Prepare the crabs; break off the tail flaps on the underside and discard. Slice the crab in half lengthwise, and then carefully pull off the back shells and reserve. Discard the soft gills and then rinse and discard stomach sac.

In a large skillet over medium–high heat, melt the butter.

Add the crabs and reserved shells into the skillet, and fry, turning now and then, for 5-6 minutes, or until the shells take on an orange color.

While the crabs are cooking, place the bell pepper, tomatoes, pepitas, chilis, garlic and cilantro stems in a blender, 1 cup water, and blend into a purée.

Add the blended pepita mixture into the skillet with the crabs, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the crabs are thoroughly cooked through.

Transfer the crabs to a large bowl and cover it to keep them warm.

Turn the skillet heat back up to medium–high, and cook the pepita sauce for another 4 minutes or so, long enough to be reduced by half. Season your sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve your Crabs in Pepita Sauce, place four crabs on each serving plate, ladle some pepita sauce over them, and lastly garnish with a generous sprinkling of fresh cilantro. Serve a good bread on the side, to sop up the extra delicious sauce.

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